Welcome Celebrating over 130 years of music making in Hull

The Hull Philharmonic Orchestra is recognised as one of the nation's leading amateur symphony orchestras and has been a major feature in the city's cultural landscape for over 130 years.

Performing a regular season of three concerts in Hull's magnificent City Hall, we boast a history of renowned conductors, including national figures such as Sir Henry Wood, founder of the Proms. Today under our award-winning musical director Andrew Penny, the orchestra continues to expand and develop; successfully tackling some of the most challenging works of the orchestral repertoire. The story started on June 1881 when a small group of dedicated music lovers gathered at the George Hotel in Hull and proposed the formation of an orchestral music society. With just 27 players, a devoted committee and loyal patrons, the Hull Philharmonic Society was born.

Today the orchestra has more than 80 members drawn from local professional and amateur musicians, and enjoys a broad and loyal audience base. In 1989 we were granted charitable status.

Young Audience Ticket Scheme

With thanks to Williamsons Solicitors for sponsoring our Young Audience Ticket Scheme for the 2019/2020 season. It enables us to introduce our concerts to audiences of the future and enhances regional music education.

Williamsons Solicitors have also provided a home for our extensive music library. (Read more)